The Washington High School varsity volleyball team (Sioux Falls, SD) will play a neutral-site playoff match against Harrisburg (SD) today at 6:45 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 SDHSAA High School Volleyball Playoff Brackets for the Class AA State Tournament.
Washington vs Harrisburg Game Info:
What: South Dakota High School Girls Volleyball Playoffs
Who: Washington vs Harrisburg
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 6:45 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 SDHSAA High School Volleyball Playoff Brackets (South Dakota) – 2024 Class AA State Tournament
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Game preview: Washington vs Harrisburg
As the volleyball season enters its final stretch, two South Dakota powerhouses—Harrisburg and Washington—are making headlines with their stellar performances. Both teams are poised for a thrilling playoff encounter, showcasing their dominance in the state and beyond. Here’s an in-depth look at their rankings, head-to-head history, and key statistics heading into their neutral-site match.
Team Rankings and Records
Harrisburg (24-25) has been a juggernaut this season, finishing with an unblemished 30-0 record, including a perfect 18-0 in league play. The team has proven itself in every aspect, boasting a 1.000 win percentage both overall and in the region. Their sweeping success on both home and away courts highlights their balanced and well-rounded roster.
In comparison, Washington (24-25) has also had a remarkable season, sitting at a solid 22-4 record. While their overall win percentage is an impressive .846, they trail Harrisburg in league play with a 13-4 mark. The Warriors have demonstrated their strength in both home and away contests, although their 7-0 neutral-site record matches Harrisburg’s perfect neutral record. Washington’s resilience in tough matchups will be crucial as they face Harrisburg again in the postseason.
Head-to-Head
The two teams met earlier in the season on September 24, 2024, in a thrilling match at Washington’s home court. Harrisburg emerged victorious with a 3-1 win, winning in four sets: 25-8, 25-17, 19-25, 25-12. This win gave Harrisburg an upper hand in the head-to-head rivalry for the year, though Washington will look to bounce back in their upcoming playoff showdown.
Team Scoring Averages
Harrisburg’s offense has been potent all season, averaging over 25 points per set across four sets in wins. Their ability to maintain a high level of play throughout matches is a testament to their offensive depth, with leaders like Gabi Zachariasen and Maggie Meister consistently pushing the team forward.
Washington, meanwhile, has averaged slightly lower, with 22.1 points per set in their victories. Despite this, their ability to close out matches, especially in key moments, has allowed them to stay competitive throughout the season.
Statistical Breakdown
When comparing team statistics, Harrisburg leads in nearly every major category. They have recorded 1119 kills to Washington’s 981, and their 233 serving aces outpace Washington’s 206. Harrisburg also leads in total blocks (139) compared to Washington’s 118. However, Washington’s defense has been impressive, racking up 1503 digs—slightly more than Harrisburg’s 1402—and their reception game has been strong, with 1252 receptions compared to Harrisburg’s 1026.
Key Players
Harrisburg’s offensive weapon is undoubtedly Gabi Zachariasen, who leads the team with 354 kills, far surpassing Washington’s Kaelyn Snoozy, who leads her team with 402 kills. Harrisburg’s Josalyn Samuels has been a standout with 53 serving aces and 778 assists, contributing significantly to their attack. On the defensive side, Maggie Meister leads Harrisburg with 546 digs, while Washington’s Taryn Kirsch has been stellar with 434 digs.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced several of the same opponents, and their performance against these teams has been impressive. Harrisburg remains undefeated against common foes, finishing with a 19-0 record against teams they both played. Washington has a slightly more mixed record at 19-3 against these teams, but they have still demonstrated their ability to compete at a high level.
The Playoff Outlook
Looking ahead to their neutral-site playoff matchup, both teams will be entering the game with a strong sense of purpose. Harrisburg’s perfect season and stellar stats make them the team to beat, but Washington’s history of strong postseason performances, including their 7-0 neutral-site record, should not be underestimated.
This showdown is shaping up to be one of the most exciting matchups in South Dakota volleyball this year. Fans can expect a thrilling contest filled with fierce competition, as both teams strive for state supremacy. With Harrisburg’s top-notch offense and Washington’s resilient defense, this matchup promises to be a memorable clash of volleyball titans.
